Simonpietri helps lead Cooper City to big regional win

Pitcher scatters four hits in 8-0 win over St. Thomas Aquinas

FORT LAUDERDALE — A little over a month ago, Jessica Simonpietri was thrust into a tough spot.

The second pitcher on the Cooper City staff, she became the Cowboys primary starter after a teammate's surprise midseason transfer.

Friday, Simonpietri looked every bit the regular ace as she scattered four hits, helping Cooper City earn an 8-0 win over St. Thomas Aquinas in a Class 7A regional semifinal.

Cooper City now advances to its third regional championship in four years and will take on West Boca for the chance to earn a state tournament berth.

The Bulls advanced with a 4-1 win over Santaluces.

"First off, the responsibility that was thrust on her—unfairly—she wanted to embrace," Cowboys coach Phil Schmalz said. "She pitched the best game I've seen her pitch. Playing in the Kissimmee Klassic helped immensely. We had a lot of close games at the end of the season and that's made all of us more savvy."

Added Simonpietri, "The last games in the district, I was pitching like this. I have the confidence. I'm missing Grad Bash to be here. Prom is during states. But I love my girls."

One of those close games came in the District 16-7A championship when St. Thomas (18-6) slipped by the Cowboys and earned a 6-5 win, giving the Raiders home field advantage Friday.

But Cooper City didn't seem affected. The Cowboys (16-8) were patient at the plate, capitalizing on 12 walks by the Raiders pitching staff.

Three of those walks came consecutively in the third inning which allowed Fallon McLaughlin to score the only run Cooper City would need. McLaughlin finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored.

The Cowboys later broke the game open in the sixth when again, St. Thomas' pitchers struggled.

Cooper City got four hits and four walks in the inning, plating six runs to put the game virtually out of reach and take a 7-0 lead.

"We've done a better job of swinging at strikes," Schmalz said. "We did a very good job drawing walks. We're disciplined."